JERSEY CITY, NJ, September 20, 2001 -- Acting Governor Donald T. DiFrancesco announced today that new travel options are on the way for Central New Jersey commuters attempting to reach Lower Manhattan.

The new bus/ferry link -- part of a larger state transportation management plan overseen by New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Assistant Commissioner of Operations, Rod Roberson -- will operate between major bus corridors served by Academy and Coach USA/Suburban buses in Monmouth, Ocean and Middlesex counties and Liberty State Park in Jersey City. The Liberty Water Taxi service will then travel to Pier 17 in Lower Manhattan.

"The State of New Jersey is doing everything it can to make things easier for people who have been severely affected by the World Trade Center tragedy," said DiFrancesco. "This new transportation option will help to accomplish that goal, ensuring that New Jersey workers can reach their jobs in Lower Manhattan."

"The commute between New Jersey and New York will continue to be difficult for several months as search, rescue and recovery operations continue in Lower Manhattan," said NJ TRANSIT Board Chairman and State Transportation Commissioner James Weinstein. "Thanks to a tremendous response from the public and private sectors, we have developed a comprehensive public transportation plan that will offer some relief to New Jersey commuters."

"NJ TRANSIT has experienced significant changes in travel patterns since September 11," said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Jeffrey A. Warsh. "Thanks to the support of private ferry and bus operators in New Jersey, we have been able to quickly adjust to those changing travel patterns to serve a growing number of public transportation riders."

Customers will pay the standard bus fare to Lower Manhattan to ride the combined bus and ferry services. Commuters can board Academy or Coach USA/Suburban buses at multiple park/rides and bus stops in Monmouth, Ocean and Middlesex counties.

NJ TRANSIT will operate its No. 120 and No. 134 bus services to the ferry site. Academy will operate its peak-period Route 9, Garden State Parkway Express, Route 36 and Westhampton/Willingboro services to the ferry.

For further information on Academy Bus service and fares, call 1-800-442-7272 or visit their website at www.academybus.com.

For further information on Coach USA/Suburban service and fares, call 1-800-222-0492 or visit their website at www.suburbantransit.com.

For further information on NJ TRANSIT services and fares, call 1-800-772-2222 or 973-762-5100 from out of state between 6 a.m. and midnight. For persons with hearing impairments, the number is 1-800-772-2287. Information is also available on the NJ TRANSIT website at www.njtransit.com.